Exploring Intersectionality and Identity Theft

• In Event: Special Topics in Victimization: Identity Theft, Ponzi Schemes, and Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

Extensive research exists on how individual demographic factors like race, gender, and socioeconomic status influence victimization in cyber space. However, little research has been conducted to explore the combined effects of these factors on the risk of online victimization. In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis among researchers, and practitioners on the crime of identity theft. Identity theft, also referred to as identity fraud, involves the unauthorized use of an individual’s personal information for criminal purposes, often including accessing financial accounts, conducting fraudulent credit card transactions, and engaging in other illicit activities. This crime typically involves the theft of sensitive information such as names, social security numbers, birthdates, addresses, and other personal details. Identity theft poses significant social and legal challenges as it can be perpetrated anonymously and easily through a variety of means with devastating consequences for the victim. Drawing data from multiple waves of the Identity Theft Supplement (ITS) of the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), this study explores how the intersections of race/ethnic, sexual/gender minority status, and low socioeconomic status may influence risk of encountering identity theft.

Authors

• Fawn Ngo, University of South Florida

• Yuna Kim, University of South Florida

• Patricia Y. Warren, Florida State University

• Eric A. Stewart, Independent Scholar